The President presenting the best university stand trophy to the Chair of Council, Prof. Julia Ojiambo and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi at NITF 2018 on Thur Oct 4

The University of Nairobi (UoN) has been crowned first in the best university stand and the best stand in youth activities, empowerment and capacity building at the Nairobi International Trade Fair 2018.

In the best innovation and invention category, UoN clinched position two and number three in the best stand in research and development. The University also has won various prizes in the animal and farm produce classes.

Presiding over the opening ceremony on October 4, 2018, President Uhuru Kenyatta commended the different organizations participating at the trade fair.

“This is an important event in our nation’s calendar. It provides a platform to showcase the latest innovations and technologies in the agricultural sector,” he said. “The trade fair provides an opportunity for Kenyans to appreciate the potential we have as a country. But more importantly, it is an opportunity to share experiences and knowledge on modern technologies and establish business linkages.”

At the ceremony, the President presented the best university stand trophy to the Chair of Council, Prof. Julia Ojiambo and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi.

Earlier on, Prof. Ojiambo and Prof. Mbithi interacted with UoN staff and students exhibiting at the stand.

Prof. Ojiambo congratulated the team on the excellent performance and impressive display of innovations.

“As we celebrate this achievement, let us remember that it is not our doing but God’s doing,” said Prof. Mbithi.

Among the innovations on display is the use of assistive technology to bridge disability in educating visually challenged learners presented by a visually challenged student, Moses Gitari from the College of Education and External studies. The University also showcased an innovative solar powered water desalination system that combines renewable energy and improved technology.

There was also an impressive livestock management system that uses radio frequency identification tag and a microchip implant in the animals. This invention is applicable in animal health tracking, animal information database, livestock insurance cover, market linkage and animal identification.

Celebrated scientist and scholar, Prof. Paul Kimani from the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences showcased Kenya’s first biofortified climbing bean varieties, Kenya’s first canned bean varieties, among other products.

The Nairobi International Trade Fair accords the University an opportunity to share with the public some of its innovations and research outputs. This year’s theme is ‘Promoting Innovation and Technology in Agriculture and Trade.’